United Bankshares, Inc. 8-K
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
Or
     
o   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period                     
Commission File Number: 0-13322
United Bankshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
West Virginia   55-0641179
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
300 United Center    
500 Virginia Street, East    
Charleston, West Virginia   25301
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   Zip Code
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (304) 424-8800
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class — Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value; 43,263,513 shares outstanding as of April 30, 2008.
 
 

 


 

UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    8  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    45  
 
       
    48  
 
       
       
 
       
    49  
 
       
    49  
 
       
    49  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    51  
 
       
Exhibits
    52  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, consolidated balance sheets of United Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“United” or the “Company”), consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the related consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2008, the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the notes to consolidated financial statements appear on the following pages.

3


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)   March 31     December 31  
    2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)     (Note 1)  
Assets
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 191,101     $ 202,586  
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
    26,926       10,559  
Federal funds sold
    10,863       17,506  
 
           
Total cash and cash equivalents
    228,890       230,651  
Securities available for sale at estimated fair value (amortized cost-$1,157,315 at March 31, 2008 and $1,163,014 at December 31, 2007)
    1,152,757       1,156,561  
Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value-$152,345 at March 31, 2008 and $158,165 at December 31, 2007)
    151,040       157,228  
Other investment securities
    77,285       80,975  
Loans held for sale
    1,851       1,270  
Loans
    5,812,492       5,800,561  
Less: Unearned income
    (7,080 )     (7,077 )
 
           
Loans net of unearned income
    5,805,412       5,793,484  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (56,811 )     (50,456 )
 
           
Net loans
    5,748,601       5,743,028  
Bank premises and equipment
    60,935       61,680  
Goodwill
    311,978       312,111  
Accrued interest receivable
    36,874       38,238  
Other assets
    216,763       212,997  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 7,986,974     $ 7,994,739  
 
           
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 881,135     $ 913,427  
Interest-bearing
    4,538,376       4,436,323  
 
           
Total deposits
    5,419,511       5,349,750  
Borrowings:
               
Federal funds purchased
    111,695       97,074  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    560,960       499,989  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    850,191       1,012,272  
Other short-term borrowings
    1,319       5,000  
Other long-term borrowings
    185,471       195,890  
Allowance for lending-related commitments
    2,239       8,288  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    84,435       65,277  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    7,215,821       7,233,540  
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, $2.50 par value; Authorized-100,000,000 shares; issued-44,320,832 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, including 1,059,881 and 1,086,106 shares in treasury at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    110,802       110,802  
Surplus
    97,904       98,405  
Retained earnings
    614,133       602,185  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (14,884 )     (12,480 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (36,802 )     (37,713 )
 
           
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    771,153       761,199  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 7,986,974     $ 7,994,739  
 
           
See notes to consolidated unaudited financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Three Months Ended
    March 31
    2008   2007
     
Interest income
               
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 94,861     $ 83,312  
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments
    272       505  
Interest and dividends on securities:
               
Taxable
    15,153       13,430  
Tax-exempt
    3,260       3,375  
     
Total interest income
    113,546       100,622  
 
               
Interest expense
               
Interest on deposits
    35,129       33,170  
Interest on short-term borrowings
    6,830       7,502  
Interest on long-term borrowings
    9,309       7,288  
     
Total interest expense
    51,268       47,960  
     
Net interest income
    62,278       52,662  
Provision for credit losses
    2,100       350  
     
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
    60,178       52,312  
 
               
Other income
               
Fees from trust and brokerage services
    3,939       3,546  
Fees from deposit services
    9,083       7,178  
Other service charges, commissions, and fees
    2,046       1,693  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    1,309       1,459  
Income from mortgage banking
    93       161  
Security gains
    955       157  
Other income
    1,185       722  
     
Total other income
    18,610       14,916  
 
               
Other expense
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    19,028       14,854  
Net occupancy expense
    4,297       3,456  
Equipment expense
    1,794       1,451  
Data processing expense
    2,803       1,721  
Bankcard processing expense
    1,349       1,191  
Other expense
    12,087       8,822  
     
Total other expense
    41,358       31,495  
     
Income before income taxes
    37,430       35,733  
Income taxes
    11,734       11,326  
     
Net income
  $ 25,696     $ 24,407  
     
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.59     $ 0.60  
     
Diluted
  $ 0.59     $ 0.59  
     
 
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.28  
     
 
               
Average outstanding shares:
               
Basic
    43,246,852       40,946,236  
Diluted
    43,418,571       41,272,213  
See notes to consolidated unaudited financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2008  
                                    Accumulated                
    Common Stock                     Other             Total  
            Par             Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Value     Surplus     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Stock     Equity  
     
Balance at January 1, 2008
    44,320,832     $ 110,802     $ 98,405     $ 602,185       ($12,480 )     ($37,713 )   $ 761,199  
 
                                                       
Cumulative effect of adopting EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split- Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements”
                      (936 )                 (936 )
Effect of changing pension plan measurement date pursuant to SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, net of tax
                      (270 )                 (270 )
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                      25,696                   25,696  
Other Comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Unrealized gain on securities of $1,852 net of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income of $621
                            1,231             1,231  
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge, net of tax of $2,771
                            (5,146 )           (5,146 )
Accretion of the unrealized loss for securities transferred from the available for sale to the held to maturity investment portfolio
                            46             46  
Pension plan’s amortization of transition asset, prior service cost, and actuarial loss, net of tax of $2
                            3             3  
Change in pension asset, net of tax of $788
                            1,462             1,462  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    23,292  
Stock based compensation expense
                137                         137  
Purchase of treasury stock (138 shares)
                                  (4 )     (4 )
Distribution of treasury stock for deferred compensation plan (199 shares)
                                  6       6  
Cash dividends ($0.29 per share)
                      (12,542 )                 (12,542 )
Common stock options exercised (26,164 shares)
                (638 )                 909       271  
     
 
                                                       
Balance at March 31, 2008
    44,320,832     $ 110,802     $ 97,904     $ 614,133       ($14,884 )     ($36,802 )   $ 771,153  
     
See notes to consolidated unaudited financial statements

6


Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31
    2008   2007
     
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ 31,878     $ 37,802  
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity
    6,236       8,019  
Purchases of securities held to maturity
          (288 )
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    268       563  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
    123,610       85,015  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (118,135 )     (73,160 )
Net purchases of bank premises and equipment
    (370 )     (719 )
Net change in other investment securities
    4,599       (667 )
Net change in loans
    (7,324 )     90,140  
       
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    8,884       108,903  
       
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Cash dividends paid
    (12,535 )     (11,517 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
    244       343  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (4 )     (10,909 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    223       1,045  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
          25,000  
Repayment of long-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    (81 )     (76 )
Redemption of debt related to trust preferred securities
    (10,310 )      
Distribution of treasury stock for deferred compensation plan
    6        
Changes in:
               
Deposits
    70,023       (86,620 )
Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings
    (90,089 )     (102,807 )
     
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (42,523 )     (185,541 )
       
 
               
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,761 )     (38,836 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    230,651       259,013  
       
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 228,890     $ 220,177  
       
See notes to consolidated unaudited financial statements.

7


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
1. GENERAL
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of United Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“United”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles for interim financial information generally accepted in the United States and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statements presented as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the three-month periods then ended have not been audited. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 has been extracted from the audited financial statements included in United’s 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. The accounting and reporting policies followed in the presentation of these financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the 2007 Annual Report of United on Form 10-K. To conform to the 2008 presentation, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts, which had no impact on net income, comprehensive income, or stockholders’ equity. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been made. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of United and its wholly owned subsidiaries. United considers all of its principal business activities to be bank related. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Dollars are in thousands, except per share and share data or unless otherwise noted.
New Accounting Standards
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 161 (SFAS 161), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” which amends FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged. United is currently assessing the impact this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141-revised 2007 (SFAS 141R),“Business Combinations” which amends FASB Statement 141 (SFAS 141). SFAS 141R aims to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is not permitted.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated

8


Table of Contents

Financial Statements (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. Based on management’s preliminary analysis, the adoption of SFAS 160 is not expected to have a significant impact on United’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 06-4 (EITF 06-4), “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements”, which will require employers with endorsement split-dollar arrangements that provide a post-retirement life insurance benefit to record an obligation for this benefit and recognize an ongoing expense. EITF 06-4 applies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, with an earlier adoption permitted. United adopted EITF 06-4 on January 1, 2008, as required and a cumulative effect adjustment was recorded in retained earnings.
In March 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements.” EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2007. United adopted EITF 06-10 as of January 1, 2008, as required. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on United’s financial statements since United does not have any collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance agreements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159 (SFAS 159), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. With this Standard, the FASB expects to reduce both the complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate the comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The Statement does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in accounting standards. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. United decided to not report any existing financial assets or liabilities at fair value that are not already reported, thus the adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on United’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB published Statement No. 158 (SFAS 158), “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires employers to recognize in their statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status. United is also required to recognize fluctuations in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. United adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS 158 on December 31, 2006. The effect of adopting SFAS 158 on United’s financial condition at December 31, 2006 has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. SFAS 158 also requires employers to measure the funded status of a plan as of the end of the employers’ fiscal year. On January 1, 2008, United changed the

9


Table of Contents

measurement date for its defined pension plan from September 30 to December 31 for its 2008 financial statements as required. As a result, United recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $270 to retained earnings. See Note 14 for additional information regarding United’s adoption of SFAS 158.
In September 2006, the FASB also issued Statement No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. United adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on United’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 12 for additional information regarding United’s adoption of SFAS 157.
2. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
On July 14, 2007, United acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Premier Community Bankshares, Inc. (Premier) of Winchester, Virginia. The results of operations of Premier, which are not significant, are included in the consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition. Because the results of operations of Premier are not significant, pro forma information is not provided. The acquisition of Premier expanded United’s presence in the rapidly growing and economically attractive Metro DC area and afforded United the opportunity to enter new Virginia markets in the Winchester, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville areas.
The preliminary purchase price has been allocated to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets resulting in preliminary additions to goodwill and core deposit intangibles of approximately $148 million and $11 million, respectively. The estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets, are subject to refinement as additional information becomes available. Any subsequent adjustments to the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired, identifiable intangible assets, or other purchase accounting adjustments will result in adjustments to goodwill within the first 12 months following the date of acquisition.
As a result of the merger, United assumed approximately $2.5 million of liabilities to provide severance benefits to terminated employees of Premier. A balance of $876 thousand remains as of March 31, 2008 for the assumed liabilities to provide severance benefits to terminated employees of Premier.
Statement of Position 03-3 (SOP 03-3), “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer” requires acquired impaired loans for which it is probable that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable to be recorded at the present value of amounts expected to be received and prohibits carrying over or creating valuation allowances in the initial accounting for these loans. Loans carried at fair value, mortgage loans held for sale, and loans to borrowers in good standing under revolving credit agreements are excluded from the scope of SOP 03-3. The impact of recording the impaired loans acquired from Premier on July 14, 2007 at fair value was not significant. Additional disclosures required by SOP 03-3 are not provided because of the insignificant impact.

10


Table of Contents

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities available for sale are summarized below:
                                 
    March 31, 2008
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
     
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
  $ 31,095     $ 205           $ 31,300  
State and political subdivisions
    117,218       3,512     $ 5       120,725  
Mortgage-backed securities
    847,565       12,117       5,207       854,475  
Marketable equity securities
    6,978       24       675       6,327  
Corporate securities
    154,459       2,642       17,171       139,930  
           
Total
  $ 1,157,315     $ 18,500     $ 23,058     $ 1,152,757  
           
                                 
    December 31, 2007
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
           
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
  $ 42,689     $ 188     $ 8     $ 42,869  
State and political subdivisions
    117,713       2,349       53       120,009  
Mortgage-backed securities
    846,037       4,173       4,105       846,105  
Marketable equity securities
    6,752       85       521       6,316  
Corporate securities
    149,823       2,572       11,133       141,262  
           
Total
  $ 1,163,014     $ 9,367     $ 15,820     $ 1,156,561  
           
Provided below and on the following page is a summary of securities available-for-sale which were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
                                 
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer  
    Market     Unrealized     Market     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
March 31, 2008
                               
Treasuries and agencies
                       
State and political
  $ 2,299     $ 5              
Mortgage-backed
    161,432       3,907     $ 46,996     $ 1,300  
Marketable equity securities
    1,819       439       308       236  
Corporate securities
    86,473       13,442       20,271       3,729  
 
                       
Total
  $ 252,023     $ 17,793     $ 67,575     $ 5,265  
 
                       

11


Table of Contents

                                 
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer  
    Market     Unrealized     Market     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
December 31, 2007
                               
Treasuries and agencies
              $ 2,989     $ 8  
State and political
  $ 1,815     $ 5       9,776       48  
Mortgage-backed
    58,244       594       407,397       3,511  
Marketable equity securities
    1,338       422       101       99  
Corporate securities
    85,849       10,132       14,504       1,001  
 
                       
Total
  $ 147,246     $ 11,153     $ 434,767     $ 4,667  
 
                       
Gross unrealized losses on available for sale securities were $23,058 at March 31, 2008. Securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more at March 31, 2008 consisted primarily of corporate securities. These corporate securities were mainly investment grade single issuer or pooled trust preferreds of financial institutions. The unrealized loss on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio relates primarily to AAA securities issued by FNMA, GNMA, and various private label issuers. Management does not believe any individual security with an unrealized loss as of March 31, 2008 is other than temporarily impaired. United believes the decline in value is attributable to tight market liquidity, distressed sales, and changes in market interest rates, not the credit quality of the issuers. United has the intent and the ability to hold these securities until such time as the value recovers or the securities mature. However, United acknowledges that any impaired securities may be sold in future periods in response to significant, unanticipated changes in asset/liability management decisions, unanticipated future market movements or business plan changes.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without penalties.
                                 
    March 31, 2008   December 31, 2007
            Estimated           Estimated
    Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair
    Cost   Value   Cost   Value
         
Due in one year or less
  $ 30,891     $ 30,975     $ 40,627     $ 40,668  
Due after one year through five years
    75,026       76,327       82,214       82,315  
Due after five years through ten years
    190,526       193,145       195,981       196,808  
Due after ten years
    853,894       845,983       837,440       830,454  
Marketable equity securities
    6,978       6,327       6,752       6,316  
         
Total
  $ 1,157,315     $ 1,152,757     $ 1,163,014     $ 1,156,561  
         

12


Table of Contents

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities held to maturity are summarized as follows:
                                 
    March 31, 2008
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
     
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
  $ 11,543     $ 1,963           $ 13,506  
State and political subdivisions
    53,771       1,357     $ 8       55,120  
Mortgage-backed securities
    157       11             168  
Corporate securities
    85,569       477       2,495       83,551  
     
Total
  $ 151,040     $ 3,808     $ 2,503     $ 152,345  
     
                                 
    December 31, 2007
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
     
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
  $ 11,572     $ 1,316           $ 12,888  
State and political subdivisions
    59,466       1,043     $ 4       60,505  
Mortgage-backed securities
    165       10             175  
Corporate securities
    86,025       564       1,992       84,597  
     
Total
  $ 157,228     $ 2,933     $ 1,996     $ 158,165  
     
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities held to maturity at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without penalties.
                                 
    March 31, 2008   December 31, 2007
            Estimated           Estimated
    Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair
    Cost   Value   Cost   Value
         
Due in one year or less
  $ 15,662     $ 15,910     $ 8,624     $ 8,652  
Due after one year through five years
    24,440       24,511       35,964       36,623  
Due after five years through ten years
    25,704       27,052       26,568       27,495  
Due after ten years
    85,234       84,872       86,072       85,395  
         
Total
  $ 151,040     $ 152,345     $ 157,228     $ 158,165  
         
The carrying value of securities pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law, approximated $1,068,366 and $1,002,234 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

13


Table of Contents

4. LOANS
Major classifications of loans are as follows:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 1,233,411     $ 1,210,049  
Real estate:
               
Single-family residential
    1,857,278       1,882,498  
Commercial
    1,524,599       1,507,541  
Construction
    618,643       601,323  
Other
    233,826       239,907  
Installment
    344,735       359,243  
 
           
Total gross loans
  $ 5,812,492     $ 5,800,561  
 
           
The table above does not include loans held for sale of $1,851 and $1,270 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Loans held for sale consist of single-family residential real estate loans originated for sale in the secondary market.
United’s subsidiary banks have made loans, in the normal course of business, to the directors and officers of United and its subsidiaries, and to their affiliates. Such related party loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and did not involve more than normal risk of collectibility. The aggregate dollar amount of these loans was $142,042 and $126,432 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
5. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
United maintains an allowance for loan losses and an allowance for lending-related commitments such as unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. The allowance for lending-related commitments of $2,239 and $8,288 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, is separately classified as a liability on the balance sheet. The methodology for calculation of the unfunded commitments liability was changed to be more consistent with the historical utilization of unfunded commitments which resulted in the decrease of $6,049 from year-end 2007. The combined allowances for loan losses and lending-related commitments are referred to as the allowance for credit losses.
The allowance for credit losses is management’s estimate of the probable credit losses inherent in the lending portfolio. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and the appropriate provision for credit losses is based upon a quarterly evaluation of the loan portfolio and lending-related commitments. This evaluation is inherently subjective and requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows, value of collateral, losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which are susceptible to constant and significant change. The allowance allocated to specific credits and loan pools grouped by similar risk characteristics is reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted as necessary based upon subsequent changes in circumstances. In determining the components of the allowance for credit losses, management considers the risk arising in part from, but not limited to, charge-off and delinquency trends, current economic and business conditions, lending policies and procedures, the size and risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, concentrations of credit, and other various factors. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are

14


Table of Contents

charged against the allowance for credit losses, while recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance for credit losses. Credit expenses related to the allowance for credit losses and the allowance for lending-related commitments are reported in the provision for credit losses in the income statement.
A progression of the allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for credit losses and the allowance for lending-related commitments, for the periods presented is summarized as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2008     2007  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 58,744     $ 52,371  
Provision
    2,100       350  
 
           
 
    60,844       52,721  
Loans charged-off
    (2,033 )     (617 )
Less: Recoveries
    239       281  
 
           
Net Charge-offs
    (1,794 )     (336 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 59,050     $ 52,385  
 
           
6. RISK ELEMENTS
Nonperforming assets include loans on which no interest is currently being accrued, principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more and for which the terms have been modified due to deterioration in the financial position of the borrower. Loans are designated as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, the collection of principal or interest is doubtful. This generally occurs when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed, and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Other real estate owned consists of property acquired through foreclosure and is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs.
Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 25,103     $ 14,115  
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest
    12,375       14,210  
 
           
Total nonperforming loans
    37,478       28,325  
Other real estate owned
    7,043       6,365  
 
           
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 44,521     $ 34,690  
 
           
Loans are designated as impaired when, in the opinion of management, the collection of principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement is not probable. At March 31, 2008, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired was $44,420 (of which $25,103 were

15


Table of Contents

on a nonaccrual basis). Included in this amount is $24,652 of impaired loans for which the related allowance for credit losses is $5,811 and $19,768 of impaired loans that do not have an allowance for credit losses due to management’s estimate that the fair value of the underlying collateral of these loans is sufficient for full repayment of the loan and interest. At December 31, 2007, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired was $30,952 (of which $14,115 were on a nonaccrual basis). Included in this amount were $24,097 of impaired loans for which the related allowance for credit losses was $3,615, and $6,855 of impaired loans that did not have an allowance for credit losses. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007 was approximately $37,307 and $28,908, respectively.
For the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, United recognized interest income on impaired loans of approximately $299 and $439, respectively. Substantially all of the interest income was recognized using the accrual method of income recognition. The amount of interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms for the above loans and nonaccrual loans was $798 and $549 for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
The following is a summary of intangible assets subject to amortization and those not subject to amortization:
                         
    As of March 31, 2008  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount  
Amortized intangible assets:
                       
Core deposit intangible assets
  $ 30,995       ($21,135 )   $ 9,860  
 
                 
 
                       
Goodwill not subject to amortization
                  $ 311,978  
 
                     
                         
    As of December 31, 2007  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount  
Amortized intangible assets:
                       
Core deposit intangible assets
  $ 30,995       ($20,117 )   $ 10,878  
 
                 
 
                       
Goodwill not subject to amortization
                  $ 312,111  
 
                     
United incurred amortization expense of $1,018 and $407 for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The table presented below sets forth the anticipated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years:
         
Year   Amount
2008
  $ 3,494  
2009
    2,561  
2010
    1,884  
2011
    1,362  
2012 and thereafter
    1,577  

16


Table of Contents

8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are a significant source of funds for the company. United has various unused lines of credit available from certain of its correspondent banks in the aggregate amount of $200,000. These lines of credit, which bear interest at prevailing market rates, permit United to borrow funds in the overnight market, and are renewable annually subject to certain conditions. At March 31, 2008, federal funds purchased were $111,695 while securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $560,960.
United has available funds of $70,000 with two unrelated financial institutions to provide for general liquidity needs. Both are unsecured revolving lines of credit. One has a one-year renewable term while the other line of credit has a two-year renewable term. Each line of credit carries an indexed floating rate of interest. At March 31, 2008, United had no outstanding balance under these lines of credit.
United Bank (VA) participates in the Treasury Investment Program, which is essentially the U.S. Treasury’s savings account for companies depositing employment and other tax payments. The bank retains the funds in an open-ended interest-bearing note until the Treasury withdraws or “calls” the funds. A maximum note balance is established and that amount must be collateralized at all times. All tax deposits or a portion of the tax deposits up to the maximum balance are generally available as a source of short-term investment funding. As of March 31, 2008, United Bank (VA) had an outstanding balance of $1,319 and had additional funding available of $3,681.
9. LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
United’s subsidiary banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). Membership in the FHLB makes available short-term and long-term borrowings from collateralized advances. All FHLB borrowings are collateralized by a mix of single-family residential mortgage loans, commercial loans and investment securities. At March 31, 2008, United had an unused borrowing amount of approximately $1,324,250 available subject to delivery of collateral after certain trigger points.
Advances may be called by the FHLB or redeemed by United based on predefined factors and penalties.
At March 31, 2008, $850,191 of FHLB advances with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.98% are scheduled to mature within the next eleven years.
The scheduled maturities of borrowings are as follows:
         
Year   Amount  
2008
  $ 282,423  
2009
    80,000  
2010
    384,685  
2011
    60,000  
2012 and thereafter  
    43,083  
 
     
 
       
Total
  $ 850,191  
 
     

17


Table of Contents

United has a total of ten statutory business trusts that were formed for the purpose of issuing or participating in pools of trust preferred capital securities (Capital Securities) with the proceeds invested in junior subordinated debt securities (Debentures) of United. The Debentures, which are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness and certain other financial obligations of United, are the sole assets of the trusts and United’s payment under the Debentures is the sole source of revenue for the trusts. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the outstanding balances of the Debentures were $185,471 and $195,890, respectively, and were included in the category of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets entitled “Other long-term borrowings”. The Capital Securities are not included as a component of shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. United fully and unconditionally guarantees each individual trust’s obligations under the Capital Securities.
In January of 2008, United redeemed the Capital Securities of United Statutory Trust II. As part of the redemption, United retired the $10,310 principal amount of 8.59% Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by United Statutory Trust II.
Under the provisions of the subordinated debt, United has the right to defer payment of interest on the subordinated debt at any time, or from time to time, for periods not exceeding five years. If interest payments on the subordinated debt are deferred, the dividends on the Capital Securities are also deferred. Interest on the subordinated debt is cumulative.
The Trust Preferred Securities currently qualify as Tier 1 capital of United for regulatory purposes.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
United is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to alter its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include loan commitments, standby letters of credit, and interest rate swap agreements. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements.
United’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instrument for the loan commitments and standby letters of credit is the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. United uses the same policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral may be obtained, if deemed necessary, based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily, and historically do not, represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon the extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. United had approximately $1,950,350 and $1,945,818 of loan commitments outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, substantially all of which expire within one year.

18


Table of Contents

Commercial and standby letters of credit are agreements used by United’s customers as a means of improving their credit standing in their dealings with others. Under these agreements, United guarantees certain financial commitments of its customers. A commercial letter of credit is issued specifically to facilitate trade or commerce. Typically, under the terms of a commercial letter of credit, a commitment is drawn upon when the underlying transaction is consummated as intended between the customer and a third party. United has issued commercial letters of credit of $3,164 and $1,580 as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. A standby letter of credit is generally contingent upon the failure of a customer to perform according to the terms of an underlying contract with a third party. United has issued standby letters of credit of $140,668 and $144,314 as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. In accordance with FIN 45, United has determined that substantially all of its letters of credit are renewed on an annual basis and the fees associated with these letters of credit are immaterial.
11. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
United uses derivative instruments to help aid against adverse prices or interest rate movements on the value of certain assets or liabilities and on future cash flows. These derivatives may consist of interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars, futures, forward contracts, written and purchased options. United also executes derivative instruments with its commercial banking customers to facilitate its risk management strategies.
United accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivative instruments to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet. United usually designates derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk as hedge relationships with certain assets, liabilities or cash flows being hedged. Certain derivatives used for interest rate risk management are not designated in a SFAS No. 133 hedge relationship.
Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, United has both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2008. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.
For a fair value hedge, the fair value of the interest rate swap is recognized on the balance sheet as either a freestanding asset or liability with a corresponding adjustment to the hedged financial instrument. Subsequent adjustments due to changes in the fair value of a derivative that qualifies as a fair value hedge are offset in current period earnings. For a cash flow hedge, the fair value of the interest rate swap is recognized on the balance sheet as either a freestanding asset or liability with a corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity, net of tax. Subsequent adjustments due to changes in the fair value of a derivative that qualifies as a cash flow hedge are offset to other comprehensive income, net of tax. The portion of a hedge that is ineffective is recognized immediately in earnings.
At inception of a hedge relationship, United formally documents the hedged item, the particular risk management objective, the nature of the risk being hedged, the derivative being used, how effectiveness of

19


Table of Contents

the hedge will be assessed and how the ineffectiveness of the hedge will be measured. United also assesses hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis using regression analysis. Hedge ineffectiveness is measured by using the change in fair value method. The change in fair value method compares the change in the fair value of the hedging derivative to the change in the fair value of the hedged exposure, attributable to changes in the benchmark rate. The portion of a hedge that is ineffective is recognized immediately in earnings. Prior to January 1, 2006, United used the shortcut method for interest rate swaps that met the criteria as defined under SFAS No. 133. Effective January 1, 2006, United adopted an internal policy of accounting for all new derivative instruments entered thereafter whereby the shortcut method would no longer be used.
For derivatives that are not designated in a hedge relationship, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized in earnings in the same period as the change in fair value.
The following tables set forth certain information regarding the interest rate derivatives portfolio used for interest-rate risk management purposes and designated as accounting hedges under SFAS 133 at March 31, 2008.
Derivative Classifications and Hedging Relationships
March 31, 2008
                         
    Notional     Derivative  
    Amount     Asset     Liability  
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges:
                       
Hedging Commercial Loans
  $ 14,500           $ 1,123  
 
                 
Total Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges:
  $ 14,500           $ 1,123  
 
                 
 
                       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
                       
Hedging FHLB Borrowings
  $ 234,685           $ 7,260  
 
                 
 
Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
  $ 234,685           $ 7,260  
 
                 
 
                       
Total Derivatives Used in Interest Rate Risk Management and Designated in SFAS 133 Relationships:
  $ 249,185           $ 8,383  
 
                 

20


Table of Contents

Derivative Instruments
March 31, 2008
                                 
            Average              
    Notional     Receive     Average     Estimated  
    Amount     Rate     Pay Rate     Fair Value  
Fair Value Hedges:
                               
Pay Fixed Swap (Commercial Loans)
  $ 14,500             6.27 %   $ (1,123 )
 
                       
Total Derivatives Used in Fair Value Hedges
  $ 14,500                     $ (1,123 )
 
                               
Cash Flow Hedges:
                               
Pay Fixed Swap (FHLB Borrowing)
  $ 234,685             3.79 %   $ (7,260 )
 
                       
Total Derivatives Used in Cash Flow Hedges
  $ 234,685                     $ (7,260 )
 
                           
 
                               
Total Derivatives Used for Interest Rate Risk Management and Designated in SFAS 133 Relationships
  $ 249,185                     $ (8,383 )
 
                           
The derivative portfolio also includes derivative financial instruments not included in hedge relationships. These derivatives consist of interest rate swaps used for interest rate management purposes and derivatives executed with commercial banking customers to facilitate their interest rate management strategies. Gains and losses on other derivative financial instruments are included in noninterest income and noninterest expense, respectively.
A summary of derivative financial instruments not in hedge relationships by type of activity is as follows:
                 
    Other Derivative Instruments  
    March 31, 2008  
    Net Derivative     Net Gains  
    Asset (Liability)     (Losses)  
Other Derivative Instruments:
               
Interest Rate Risk Management
  $ (791 )   $ (791 )
Customer Risk Management
    791       791  
 
           
 
               
Total Other Derivative Instruments
  $     $  
 
           
12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
United adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), on January 1, 2008 to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value of certain assets and liabilities is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. In February of 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-2 (FSP 157-2) which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities except for those items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS 157 for such nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Thus, United has only partially

21


Table of Contents

applied SFAS 157. Those items affected by FSP 157-2 include other real estate owned (OREO), goodwill and core deposit intangibles.
SFAS 157 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect United’s market assumptions. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS 157 based on these two types of inputs are as follows:
Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in less active markets, and model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions can be derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data in the market.
Level 3 – Valuation is based on model-based techniques that use one or more significant inputs or assumptions that are unobservable in the market.
When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, United looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities whenever possible and classifies such items in Level 1. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, United looks to market observable data for similar assets and liabilities and classifies such items as Level 2. Nevertheless, certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets and United must use alternative valuation techniques using unobservable inputs to determine a fair value and classifies such items as Level 3. The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant in the fair value measurement.
The following describes the valuation techniques used by United to measure certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements.
Securities available for sale: Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, when available (Level 1). If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar securities for which significant assumptions are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data. Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may determine the fair value of identical or similar securities by using pricing models that considers observable market data (Level 2). Any securities available for sale not valued based upon the methods above are considered Level 3.
Derivatives: United utilizes interest rate swaps in order to hedge exposure to interest rate risk and variability of cash flows associated to changes in the underlying interest rate of the hedged item. United utilizes third-party vendors for derivative valuation purposes. These vendors determine the appropriate fair value based on a net present value calculation of the cash flows related to the interest rate swaps using primarily observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves (Level 2). Valuation adjustments to derivative fair values for liquidity and credit risk are also taken into consideration, as well as the likelihood of default by United and derivative counterparties, the net counterparty exposure and the remaining maturities of the positions.

22


Table of Contents

The following table presents the balances of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008:
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2008 Using
            Quoted Prices        
            in Active   Significant    
            Markets for   Other   Significant
            Identical   Observable   Unobservable
    Balance as of   Assets   Inputs   Inputs
Description   March 31, 2008   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)
Assets
                               
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,152,757     $ 57,651     $ 1,089,601     $ 5,505  
Derivative financial assets
    791             791        
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative financial liabilities
    9,174             9,174        
The following table presents additional information about financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2008 on a recurring basis and for which United has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
         
    Available-for-  
    sale  
    securities  
Beginning Balance
  $ 5,372  
 
       
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
     
Included in other comprehensive income
    133  
Purchases, issuances, and settlements
     
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
     
 
     
Ending Balance
  $ 5,505  
 
       
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date
     
Certain financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
The following describes the valuation techniques used by United to measure certain financial assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the financial statements.
Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value. These loans currently consist of one-to-four family residential loans originated for sale in the secondary market. Fair value is based on the price secondary markets are currently offering for similar loans using observable market data which is not materially different than cost due to the short duration between origination and sale (Level 2). As such, United records any fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. No nonrecurring fair value adjustments were recorded on loans held for sale during the quarter ended March

23


Table of Contents

31, 2008. Gains and losses on the sale of loans are recorded within income from mortgage banking on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Impaired Loans: Loans are designated as impaired when, in the judgment of management based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. The measurement of loss associated with impaired loans can be based on either the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral. Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing the loans. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of real estate collateral is determined utilizing an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal conducted by an independent, licensed appraiser outside of the Company using observable market data (Level 2). However, if the collateral is a house or building in the process of construction or if an appraisal of the real estate property is over two years old, then the fair value is considered Level 3. The value of business equipment is based upon an outside appraisal if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable business’ financial statements if not considered significant using observable market data. Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivables collateral are based on financial statement balances or aging reports (Level 3). Impaired loans allocated to the Allowance for Loan Losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for credit losses expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table summarizes United’s financial assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period.
                                         
            Carrying value at March 31, 2008    
            Quoted Prices            
            in Active   Significant        
            Markets for   Other   Significant    
    Balance as of   Identical   Observable   Unobservable    
    March 31,   Assets   Inputs   Inputs   YTD
Description   2008   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Losses
Assets
                                       
Impaired Loans
  $ 24,652           $ 709     $ 23,943     $ 693  
13. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
On May 15, 2006, United’s shareholders approved the 2006 Stock Option Plan. A total of 1,500,000 shares of United’s authorized but unissued common stock are allocated for the 2006 Stock Option Plan. Each plan year, 400,000 options will be available for award to eligible employees; however, not all 400,000 options are required to be awarded in that year. All options granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan will be non-statutory stock options (NSOs), i.e., options that do not qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to certain change in control provisions, recipients of options will be fully vested in and permitted to exercise options granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan three years from the grant date. As of March 31, 2008, 244,550 shares have been granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan resulting in the recognition of compensation expense of $137 thousand for the first quarter of 2008 which

24


Table of Contents

was included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. A Form S-8 was filed on October 25, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register all the shares available for the 2006 Stock Option Plan.
United currently has options outstanding from various option plans other than the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “Prior Plans”); however, no common shares of United stock are available for grants under the Prior Plans as these plans have expired. Awards outstanding under the Prior Plans will remain in effect in accordance with their respective terms. The maximum term for options granted under the plans is ten (10) years.
The fair value option of the options for 2007 was estimated at the date of grant using a binomial lattice option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 4.09%; dividend yield of 3.00%; volatility factors of the expected market price of United’s common stock of 0.2954; and a weighted-average expected option life of 5.89 years, respectively. SFAS 123R defines a lattice model as a model that produces an estimated fair value based on the assumed changes in prices of a financial instrument over successive periods of time. A binomial lattice model assumes at least two price movements are possible in each period of time.
A summary of option activity under the Plans as of March 31, 2008, and the changes during the first three months of 2008 is presented below:
                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2008  
                    Weighted Average  
            Aggregate     Remaining        
            Intrinsic     Contractual     Exercise  
    Shares     Value     Term (Yrs.)     Price  
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    1,921,457                     $ 27.38  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    26,164                       8.48  
Forfeited or expired
    3,252                       32.92  
 
                           
Outstanding at March 31, 2008
    1,892,041     $ 5,107       5.4     $ 27.63  
 
                       
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2008
    1,647,491     $ 5,107       4.8     $ 27.61  
 
                       
The following table summarizes the status of United’s nonvested awards during the first three months of 2008:
                 
            Weighted-Average  
            Grant Date Fair  
    Shares     Value Per Share  
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    244,550     $ 7.06  
Granted
           
Vested
           
Forfeited or expired
           
 
           
Nonvested at March 31, 2008
    244,550     $ 7.06  
 
           
In addition to the stock options detailed above, United has outstanding stock options related to a deferred compensation plan assumed in the 1998 merger with George Mason Bankshares, Inc. (GMBS). The stock

25


Table of Contents

options granted under this deferred compensation plan were to former directors of GMBS. These options carry no exercise cost, contain no expiration date, and are eligible for dividends. Other than additional options granted through reinvestment of dividends received, United does not issue additional options under this deferred compensation plan. Options outstanding at March 31, 2008 were 19,922. Options granted through the reinvestment of dividends during the first three months of 2008 were 205. No options were exercised during the first three months of 2008. United records compensation expense for this plan based on the number of options outstanding and United’s quoted market price of its common stock with an equivalent adjustment to the associated liability.
Cash received from options exercised under the Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $223 thousand and $1.05 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, 26,164 and 81,228 shares, respectively, were issued in connection with stock option exercises. All shares issued in connection with stock option exercises were issued from available treasury stock for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. The total intrinsic value of options exercised under the Plans during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $465 thousand and $1.22 million, respectively.
SFAS 123R also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under previous standards. While the company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, the date employees exercise stock options), United recognized cash flows from financing activities of $244 thousand and $343 thousand from excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
United has a defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all employees. Pension benefits are based on years of service and the average of the employee’s highest five consecutive plan years of basic compensation paid during the ten plan years preceding the date of determination. United’s funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.
In September of 2007, after a recommendation by United’s Pension Committee and approval by United’s Board of Directors, the United Bankshares, Inc. Pension Plan (the Plan) as it relates to participation was amended. The decision to change the participation rules for the Plan follows current industry trends, as many large and medium size companies have taken similar steps. The amendment provides that employees hired on or after October 1, 2007, will not be eligible to participate in the Plan. However, new employees will continue to be eligible to participate in United’s Savings and Stock Investment 401(k) plan. This change has absolutely no impact on current employees (those hired prior to October 1, 2007). They will continue to participate in the Plan, with no change in benefit provisions, and will continue to be eligible to participate in United’s Savings and Stock Investment 401(k) Plan.
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2007 are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized transition asset of $526 ($319 net of tax), unrecognized prior service costs of $8 ($5 net of tax) and unrecognized actuarial losses of $10,899

26


Table of Contents

($6,604 net of tax). The amortization of these items expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 is $175 ($105 net of tax), $1 ($1 net of tax), and $193 ($119 net of tax), respectively.
In September 2006, the FASB published Statement No. 158 (SFAS 158), “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132R. The measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 require employers to measure the funded status of a plan as of the end of the employers’ fiscal year, with limited exceptions. United adopted the measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 as of January 1, 2008, as required. As a result, United recognized a net periodic pension cost of $270, net of tax, for the period between the prior measurement date of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007 as a separate adjustment of the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2008.
Net periodic pension cost for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 included the following components:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
(In thousands)   March 31  
    2008     2007  
Service cost
  $ 538     $ 531  
Interest cost
    925       857  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,912 )     (1,778 )
Amortization of transition asset
    (44 )     (43 )
Recognized net actuarial loss
    48       146  
Amortization of prior service cost
           
 
           
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
  $ (445 )   $ (287 )
 
           
Weighted-Average Assumptions:
               
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.00 %
Expected return on assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.25 %     3.25 %
15. INCOME TAXES
In accordance with FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, United records a liability for uncertain income tax positions based on a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements.
As of March 31, 2008, United has provided a liability for $7,953 of unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters. The entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact United’s effective tax rate. Over the next 12 months, the statute of limitations will close on certain income tax returns. However, at this time, United cannot reasonably estimate the amount of tax benefits it may recognize over the next 12 months.
United is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and State Taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2004 through 2006. As of March 31, 2008, the total

27


Table of Contents

amount of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions was $758. United accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for federal and state income taxes.
16. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
(In thousands)   2008     2007  
Net Income
  $ 25,696     $ 24,407  
Securities available for sale:
               
Net change in unrealized gains on available for sale securities arising during the period
    2,849       3,025  
Related income tax benefit
    (997 )     (1,059 )
Net reclassification adjustment for (gains) included in net income
    (955 )     (70 )
Related income tax expense
    334       25  
 
           
Net effect on other comprehensive income
    1,231       1,921  
 
           
Securities held to maturity:
               
Unrealized loss related to the call of securities previously transferred from the available for sale to the held to maturity investment portfolio
          241  
Related income tax expense
          (84 )
Accretion on the unrealized loss for securities transferred from the available for sale to the held to maturity investment portfolio prior to call or maturity
    71       142  
Related income tax expense
    (25 )     (50 )
 
           
Net effect on other comprehensive income
    46       249  
 
           
Cash flow hedge derivatives:
               
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge
    (7,917 )     (615 )
Related income tax benefit
    2,771       215  
 
           
Net effect on other comprehensive income
    (5,146 )     (400 )
 
           
FASB 158 pension plan:
               
Change in pension asset
    2,250        
Related income tax expense
    (788 )      
Amortization of transition asset
    (43 )     (43 )
Related income tax expense
    18       18  
Recognized net actuarial loss
    48       146  
Related income tax benefit
    (20 )     (58 )
 
           
Net effect on other comprehensive income
    1,465       63  
 
           
Total change in other comprehensive income
    (2,404 )     1,833  
 
           
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 23,292     $ 26,240  
 
           

28


Table of Contents

17. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic earnings per share with that of diluted earnings per share is presented as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2008     2007  
Basic
               
Net Income
  $ 25,696     $ 24,407  
 
           
Average common shares outstanding
    43,246,852       40,946,236  
 
           
Earnings per basic common share
  $ 0.59     $ 0.60  
 
               
Diluted
               
Net Income
  $ 25,696     $ 24,407  
 
           
Average common shares outstanding
    43,246,852       40,946,236  
Equivalents from stock options
    171,719       325,977  
 
           
Average diluted shares outstanding
    43,418,571       41,272,213  
 
           
Earnings per diluted common share
  $ 0.59     $ 0.59  
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 to encourage corporations to provide investors with information about the company’s anticipated future financial performance, goals, and strategies. The act provides a safe harbor for such disclosure, in other words, protection from unwarranted litigation if actual results are not the same as management expectations.
United desires to provide its shareholders with sound information about past performance and future trends. Consequently, any forward-looking statements contained in this report, in a report incorporated by reference to this report, or made by management of United in this report, in any other reports and filings, in press releases and in oral statements, involves numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties.
Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by United’s statements for a variety of factors including, but not limited to: changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of business strategies; the nature and extent of governmental actions and reforms; and rapidly changing technology and evolving banking industry standards.
INTRODUCTION
The following discussion and analysis presents the significant changes in financial condition and the results

29


Table of Contents

of operations of United and its subsidiaries for the periods indicated below. This discussion and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Bankshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
On July 14, 2007, United acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Premier Community Bankshares, Inc. (Premier) of Winchester, Virginia. The results of operations of Premier, which are not significant, are included in the consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition. However, comparisons for the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2007 are impacted by increased levels of reported average balance sheet, income, and expense results due to the acquisition. At consummation, Premier had assets of approximately $911 million, loans of $759 million, deposits of $716 million and shareholders’ equity of $71 million. The transaction was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
On January 1, 2008, United adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157) to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value of certain assets and liabilities is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. FAS 157 establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs in the methodology for determining fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market-based information obtained from independent sources (Level 1 or Level 2), while unobservable inputs reflect management’s estimate of market data (Level 3). For assets and liabilities that are actively traded and have quoted prices or observable market data, a minimal amount of subjectivity concerning fair value is needed. When quoted prices or observable market data are not available, management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value.
At March 31, 2008, approximately 14.75% of total assets, or $1.18 billion, consisted of financial instruments recorded at fair value. Of this total, approximately 97.44% or $1.15 billion of these financial instruments used valuation methodologies involving observable market data, collectively Level 1 and Level 2 measurements, to determine fair value. Approximately 2.56% or $29.45 million of these financial instruments were valued using unobservable market information or Level 3 measurements. At March 31, 2008, only $9.17 million or less than 1% of total liabilities was recorded at fair value. This entire amount was valued using methodologies involving observable market data. United does not consider its use of unobservable inputs in determining fair value to be significant and thus, does not believe that any changes in these inputs would have a material impact on United’s results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. See Note 12 for additional information regarding SFAS 157 and its impact on United’s financial statements.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this document.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting and reporting policies of United conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of

30


Table of Contents

the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this financial review, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of derivative instruments, and the calculation of the income tax provision to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.
The allowance for credit losses is management’s estimate of the probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and the appropriate provision for credit losses is based on a quarterly evaluation of the portfolio. This evaluation is inherently subjective and requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of estimated future cash flows, estimated losses on pools of loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which are susceptible to constant and significant change. The amounts allocated to specific credits and loan pools grouped by similar risk characteristics are reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted as necessary based upon subsequent changes in circumstances. In determining the components of the allowance for credit losses, management considers the risk arising in part from, but not limited to, charge-off and delinquency trends, current economic and business conditions, lending policies and procedures, the size and risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, concentrations of credit, and other various factors. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, while recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan losses. The methodology used to determine the allowance for credit losses is described in Note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. A discussion of the factors leading to changes in the amount of the allowance for credit losses is included in the Provision for Credit Losses section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
United uses derivative instruments as part of its risk management activities to help protect the value of certain assets and liabilities against adverse price or interest rate movements. All derivative instruments are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The valuation of these derivative instruments is considered critical because carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are provided by third party sources. Because the majority of the derivative instruments are used to protect the value of other assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, changes in the value of the derivative instruments are typically offset by changes in the value of the assets and liabilities being hedged, although income statement volatility can occur if the derivative instruments are not effective in hedging changes in the value of those assets and liabilities.
United’s calculation of income tax provision is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgments in its determination. As part of United’s analysis and implementation of business strategies, consideration is given to tax laws and regulations which may affect the transaction under evaluation. This analysis includes the amount and timing of the realization of income tax liabilities or benefits. United strives to keep abreast of changes in the tax laws and the issuance of regulations which may impact tax reporting and provisions for income tax expense. United is also subject to audit by federal and state authorities. Because the application of tax laws is subject to varying interpretations, results of these audits may produce indicated liabilities

31


Table of Contents

which differ from United’s estimates and provisions. United continually evaluates its exposure to possible tax assessments arising from audits and records its estimate of probable exposure based on current facts and circumstances.
Any material effect on the financial statements related to these critical accounting areas are further discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following is a broad overview of the financial condition and results of operations and is not intended to replace the more detailed discussion, which is presented under specific headings on the following pages.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
United’s total assets as of March 31, 2008 were $7.99 billion which was relatively flat from year-end 2007, declining $7.77 million or less than 1%. The slight decline was primarily the result of decreases in cash and cash equivalents and investment securities of $1.76 million and $13.68 million, respectively. Both decreases were less than 1%. Portfolio loans were relatively flat as well, growing $11.93 million or less than 1%. The slight decrease in total assets is reflected in a corresponding decrease in total liabilities of $17.72 million or less than 1% from year-end 2007. The decrease in total liabilities was due mainly to a reduction of $100.59 million or 5.56% in borrowings. Partially offsetting this decrease in borrowings was an increase in deposits of $69.76 million or 1.30% and accrued expenses and other liabilities of $19.16 million or 29.35%. Shareholders’ equity increased $9.95 million or 1.31% from year-end 2007. The following discussion explains in more detail the changes in financial condition by major category.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2008 were relatively flat from year-end 2007, decreasing $1.76 million or less than 1%. Of this total decrease, cash and due from banks and federal funds sold decreased $11.49 million or 5.67% and $6.64 million or 37.95%, respectively, while interest-bearing deposits with other banks increased $16.37 million. During the first three months of 2008, net cash of $31.88 million and $8.88 million was provided by operating activities and investing activities, respectively. Net cash of $42.52 million was used in financing activities. See the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for data on cash and cash equivalents provided and used in operating, investing and financing activities for the first three months of 2008 and 2007.
Securities
Total investment securities at March 31, 2008 were relatively flat, decreasing $13.68 million or less than 1% from year-end 2007. Securities available for sale were relatively flat, decreasing $3.80 million or less than 1%. This change in securities available for sale reflects $123.81 million in sales, maturities and calls of securities, $118.14 million in purchases, and an increase of $1.89 million in market value. Securities held to maturity decreased $6.19 million or 3.94% from year-end 2007 due to calls and maturities of securities. Other investment securities decreased $3.69 million or 4.56% due to a redemption of FHLB stock. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities, including types and remaining maturities, is presented in Note 3 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

32


Table of Contents

Loans
Loans held for sale increased $581 thousand or 45.75% as loan originations exceeded loan sales in the secondary market during the first three months of 2008. Portfolio loans, net of unearned income, were relatively flat, increasing $11.93 million or less than 1% from year-end 2007 due to increases in commercial loans (not secured by real estate) of $23.36 million or 1.93%, construction loans of $17.32 million or 2.88%, and commercial real estate loans of $17.06 million or 1.13%. These increases were partially offset by decreases from year-end 2007 in single-family residential real estate loans of $25.22 million or 1.34%, installment loans of $14.06 million or 4.04% and other real estate loans of $6.08 million or 2.53%.
The following table summarizes the changes in the loan categories since year-end 2007:
                                 
    March 31     December 31              
(Dollars in thousands)   2008     2007     $ Change     % Change  
Loans held for sale
  $ 1,851     $ 1,270     $ 581       45.75 %
 
                       
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
  $ 1,233,411     $ 1,210,049     $ 23,362       1.93 %
Real Estate:
                               
Single family residential
    1,857,278       1,882,498       (25,220 )     (1.34 %)
Commercial
    1,524,599       1,507,541       17,058       1.13 %
Construction
    618,643       601,323       17,320       2.88 %
Other
    233,826       239,907       (6,081 )     (2.53 %)
Consumer
    344,735       359,243       (14,508 )     (4.04 %)
Less: Unearned income
    (7,080 )     (7,077 )     (3 )     0.04 %
 
                       
Total Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 5,805,412     $ 5,793,484     $ 11,928       0.21 %
 
                       
For a further discussion of loans see Note 4 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Assets
Other assets increased $3.77 million or 1.77% from year-end 2007 due mainly to increases of $3.32 million in deferred tax assets, $2.42 million in the funded status of United’s pension plan, and $1.31 million in the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies. Partially offsetting these increases from year-end 2007 was a decrease in income taxes receivable of $1.59 million and a decrease in core deposit intangibles of $1.02 million due to amortization.
Deposits
Total deposits at March 31, 2008 increased $69.76 million or 1.30% since year-end 2007. In terms of composition, noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $32.29 million or 3.54% while interest-bearing deposits increased $102.05 million or 2.30% from December 31, 2007. The decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits was due mainly to a decrease in official checks of $17.63 million due to a large amount of loan proceeds checks at year-end 2007. Commercial noninterest bearing deposits declined $6.16 million or 1.01% as customers shifted money into interest-bearing products. Personal noninterest bearing deposits were relatively flat from year-end 2007, declining $1.36 million or less than 1%.

33


Table of Contents

The increase in interest-bearing deposits was due mainly to a growth in time deposits over $100,000 of $63.01 million or 6.61% and time deposits under $100,000 of $22.41 million or 1.44%. Regular savings balances increased $8.19 million or 2.52%. Interest bearing money market accounts (MMDAs) were relatively flat, increasing $5.44 million or less than 1%. This increase in interest-bearing deposits was due likely to the volatility in the stock market as well as aggressive pricing on large commercial time deposits.
The table below summarizes the changes in the deposit categories since year-end 2007:
                                 
    March 31     December 31              
(Dollars In thousands)   2008     2007     $ Change     % Change  
Demand deposits
  $ 376,838     $ 409,109     $ (32,271 )     (7.89 %)
Interest-bearing checking
    177,677       174,666       3,011       1.72 %
Regular savings
    332,921       324,728       8,193       2.52 %
Money market accounts
    1,935,401       1,929,985       5,416       0.28 %
Time deposits under $100,000
    1,579,883       1,557,478       22,405       1.44 %
Time deposits over $100,000
    1,016,791       953,784       63,007       6.61 %
 
                       
Total deposits
  $ 5,419,511     $ 5,349,750     $ 69,761       1.30 %
 
                       
Borrowings
Total borrowings at March 31, 2008 decreased $100.59 million or 5.56% during the first three months of 2008. Since year-end 2007, short-term borrowings decreased $90.09 million or 8.70% due to a $162 million reduction in overnight FHLB borrowings. Federal funds purchased increased $14.62 million or 15.06% while securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased $60.97 million or 12.19% since year-end 2007. Long-term borrowings decreased $10.50 million or 1.36% due to the redemption during the quarter of trust preferred securities in the amount of approximately $10 million.
The table below summarizes the change in the borrowing categories since year-end 2007:
                                 
    March 31     December 31              
(Dollars In thousands)   2008     2007     $ Change     % Change  
Federal funds purchased
  $ 111,695     $ 97,074     $ 14,621       15.06 %
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    560,960       499,989       60,971       12.19 %
Overnight FHLB advances
    272,000       434,000       (162,000 )     (37.33 %)
TT&L note option
    1,319       5,000       (3,681 )     (73.62 %)
Long-term FHLB advances
    578,191       578,272       (81 )     (0.01 %)
Issuances of trust preferred capital securities
    185,471       195,890       (10,419 )     (5.32 %)
 
                       
Total borrowings
  $ 1,709,636     $ 1,810,225     $ (100,589 )     (5.56 %)
 
                       
For a further discussion of borrowings see Notes 8 and 9 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities at March 31, 2008 increased $19.16 million or 29.35% from year-end 2007 mainly as a result of an increase in income taxes payable of $11.27 million due to a timing difference

34


Table of Contents

in payments. In addition, derivative liabilities increased $8.39 million due to a change in value and a liability was recorded for split dollar life insurance policies based on the adoption of EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements”. Interest payable decreased $922 thousand due to a decline in borrowings and interest rates and other accrued expenses declined $1.32 million due to payments.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2008 increased $9.95 million or 1.31% from December 31, 2007 as United continued to balance capital adequacy and the return to shareholders. The increase in shareholders’ equity was due mainly to earnings net of dividends declared which equaled $13.16 million for the quarter.
Accumulated other comprehensive income decreased $2.40 million due mainly to a decline of $5.15 million, net of deferred income taxes, in the fair value of cash flow hedges. The fair value of United’s available for sale investment portfolio increased $1.23 million, net of deferred taxes.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Net income for the first three months of 2008 was $25.70 million or $0.59 per diluted share compared to $24.41 million or $0.59 per share for the first three months of 2007. United’s annualized return on average assets for the first three months of 2008 was 1.30% and return on average shareholders’ equity was 13.35% as compared to 1.51% and 15.44% for the first three months of 2007. United’s returns compare very favorably to its most recently reported peer group banking companies’ (bank holding companies with total assets between $5 and $10 billion) average return on assets of 0.69% and average return on equity of 7.14%.
Tax-equivalent net interest income for the first three months of 2008 was $66.24 million, an increase of $9.57 million or 16.88% from the prior year’s first three months. The provision for credit losses was $2.10 million for the first three months of 2008 as compared to $350 thousand for the first three months of 2007. Noninterest income was $18.61 million for the first three months of 2008, up $3.69 million or 24.77% when compared to the first three months of 2007. Noninterest expense increased $9.86 million or 31.32% for the three months of 2008 compared to same period in 2007. Income taxes increased $408 thousand or 3.60% for the first three months of 2008 as compared to the first three months of 2007. United’s effective tax rate was 31.35% and 31.70% for the first three months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Net Interest Income
Tax-equivalent net interest income for the first quarter of 2008 was $66.24 million, an increase of $9.57 million or 16.88% from the first quarter of 2007. This increase in tax-equivalent net interest income was primarily attributable to a $1.13 billion or 18.81% increase in average earning assets resulting primarily from the Premier acquisition. Average net loans increased $1.03 billion or 21.82% while average investment securities increased $105.99 million or 8.33%. Additionally, the average cost of funds for the first quarter of 2008 declined 56 basis points from the first quarter of 2007 due to a decrease in market interest rates and the refinancing of long-term debt during the second and fourth quarters of 2007. However, the average yield on

35


Table of Contents

earning assets declined 42 basis points due to the decrease in market interest rates. The net interest margin for the first quarter of 2008 was 3.72%, down 7 basis points from a net interest margin of 3.79% for the first quarter of 2007.
On a linked-quarter basis, United’s tax-equivalent net interest income for the first quarter of 2008 increased $1.25 million or 1.92% from the fourth quarter of 2007 due mainly to a $155.67 million or 2.23% increase in average earning assets for the quarter. Average net loans grew $121.37 million or 2.17% while average investment securities increased $38.77 million or 2.89%. Additionally, the average cost of funds declined 51 basis points on a linked-quarter basis due to a decrease in market interest rates and the refinancing of long-term debt late in the fourth quarter of 2007. Partially offsetting these increases to net interest income was a decrease of 41 basis points in the first quarter of 2008 average yield on earning assets due to the decline in market interest rates. The net interest margin of 3.72% for the first quarter of 2008 was an increase of one basis point from the net interest margin of 3.71% for the fourth quarter of 2007.
The following table shows the unaudited consolidated daily average balance of major categories of assets and liabilities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, with the interest and rate earned or paid on such amount. The interest income and yields on federally nontaxable loans and investment securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%. The interest income and yield on state nontaxable loans and investment securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory state income rate of 8.75% in 2008 and 9% in 2007.

36


Table of Contents

                                                 
Table 1   Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    March 31, 2008     March 31, 2007  
    Average             Avg.     Average             Avg.  
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
         
ASSETS
                                               
Earning Assets:
                                               
Federal funds sold and securities repurchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investments
  $ 35,225     $ 272       3.10 %   $ 36,433     $ 505       5.62 %
Investment Securities:
                                               
Taxable
    1,147,964       15,153       5.28 %     1,049,836       13,430       5.12 %
Tax-exempt (1) (2)
    230,055       4,411       7.67 %     222,196       4,552       8.19 %
                 
Total Securities
    1,378,019       19,564       5.68 %     1,272,032       17,982       5.65 %
Loans, net of unearned income (1) (2) (3)
    5,774,545       97,670       6.79 %     4,742,343       86,146       7.34 %
Allowance for loan losses
    (50,629 )                     (43,603 )                
 
                                           
Net loans
    5,723,916               6.86 %     4,698,740               7.41 %
         
Total earning assets
    7,137,160     $ 117,506       6.61 %     6,007,205     $ 104,633       7.03 %
                         
Other assets
    785,414                       554,125                  
 
                                           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 7,922,574                     $ 6,561,330                  
 
                                           
LIABILITIES
                                               
Interest-Bearing Funds:
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 4,474,910     $ 35,129       3.16 %   $ 3,855,911     $ 33,170       3.49 %
Short-term borrowings
    991,345       6,830       2.77 %     678,696       7,502       4.48 %
Long-term borrowings
    779,881       9,309       4.80 %     506,497       7,288       5.84 %
         
Total Interest-Bearing Funds
    6,246,136       51,268       3.30 %     5,041,104       47,960       3.86 %
                         
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    840,443                       811,765                  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    61,581                       67,523                  
 
                                           
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    7,148,160                       5,920,392                  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    774,414                       640,938                  
 
                                           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 7,922,574                     $ 6,561,330                  
 
                                           
NET INTEREST INCOME
          $ 66,238                     $ 56,673          
 
                                           
 
                                               
INTEREST SPREAD
                    3.31 %                     3.17 %
 
                                               
NET INTEREST MARGIN
                    3.72 %                     3.79 %
 
(1)   The interest income and the yields on federally nontaxable loans and investment securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%.
 
(2)   The interest income and the yields on state nontaxable loans and investment securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using the statutory state income tax rate of 8.75% in 2008 and 9% in 2007.
 
(3)   Nonaccruing loans are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
Provision for Credit Losses
For the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the provision for credit losses was $2.10 million and $350 thousand, respectively. Net charge-offs were $1.79 million for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to net charge-offs of $336 thousand for the same quarter in 2007. The increase of $1.46 million was due largely to

37


Table of Contents

an increase in the number of loans charged off due primarily to deteriorating economic conditions. The largest amount charged off during the first quarter of 2008 was $400 thousand on a residential real estate construction loan. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.13% for the first quarter of 2008. This ratio compares very favorably to United’s most recently reported peer group banking companies’ net charge-offs to average loans percentage of 0.45%.
At March 31, 2008, nonperforming loans were $37.48 million or 0.65% of loans, net of unearned income compared to nonperforming loans of $28.33 million or 0.49% of loans, net of unearned income at December 31, 2007, respectively. The components of nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans and loans, which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal, but have not been put on a nonaccrual basis. At March 31, 2008, nonaccrual loans were $25.10 million, an increase of $10.99 million or 77.85% from $14.12 million at year-end 2007. The increase for the quarter was due mainly to $9.11 million of loans to five customers being placed on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2008. The loss potential on these loans has been properly evaluated and allocated within the company’s allowance for loan losses. Loans past due 90 days or more were $12.38 million at March 31, 2008, a decline of $1.84 million or 12.91% from $14.21 million at year-end 2007. The reduction was due to one large consumer credit of $3.45 million being placed on nonaccrual status while loans totaling $1.96 million to four customers became past due 90 days or more at March 31, 2008. Total nonperforming assets of $44.52 million, including OREO of $7.04 million at March 31, 2008, represented 0.56% of total assets at the end of the first quarter which compares favorably to the most recently reported percentage of 0.60% for United’s peer group. For a summary of nonperforming assets, see Note 6 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
At March 31, 2008, impaired loans were $44.42 million, which was an increase of $13.47 million or 43.51% from the $30.95 million in impaired loans at December 31, 2007. This increase in impaired loans was due primarily to the addition of several residential real estate construction loans totaling approximately $6.88 million. The loans are collateralized by land, some with partially completed homes. In addition, two large commercial credits totaling $6.59 million were added during the first quarter of 2008. Each credit is collateralized by motor vehicle inventory. Based on current information and events, United believes it is probable that the borrowers will not be able to repay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements. The loss potential on these loans has been properly evaluated and allocated within the company’s allowance for loan losses. For further details regarding impaired loans, see Note 6 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
United maintains an allowance for loan losses and an allowance for lending-related commitments. The combined allowances for loan losses and lending-related commitments are referred to as the allowance for credit losses. United evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and its loan administration policies are focused upon the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. United’s process for evaluating the allowance is a formal company-wide process that focuses on early identification of potential problem credits and procedural discipline in managing and accounting for those credits. This process determines the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, allocation among loan types and lending-related commitments, and the resulting provision for credit losses.
At March 31, 2008, the allowance for credit losses was $59.05 million as compared to $58.74 million at December 31, 2007. As a percentage of loans, net of unearned income, the allowance for credit losses was 1.02% at March 31, 2008 and 1.01% of loans, net of unearned income at December 31, 2007. The ratio of

38


Table of Contents

the allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans was 157.6% and 207.4% at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
Allocations are made for specific commercial loans based upon management’s estimate of the borrowers’ ability to repay and other factors impacting collectibility. Other commercial loans not specifically reviewed on an individual basis are evaluated based on historical loss percentages applied to loan pools that have been segregated by risk. Allocations for loans other than commercial loans are made based upon historical loss experience adjusted for current conditions. The allowance for credit losses includes estimated probable inherent but undetected losses within the portfolio due to uncertainties in economic conditions, delays in obtaining information, including unfavorable information about a borrower’s financial condition, the difficulty in identifying triggering events that correlate perfectly to subsequent loss rates, and risk factors that have not yet fully manifested themselves in loss allocation factors. In addition, a portion of the allowance accounts for the inherent imprecision in the allowance for credit losses analysis. Over the past several years, United has grown through acquisition, and accordingly, expanded the geographic area in which it operates. As a result, historical loss experience data used to establish allocation estimates might not precisely correspond to the current portfolio in these other geographic areas.
United’s formal company-wide process at March 31, 2008 produced increased allocations in three of the four loan categories. The components of the allowance allocated to commercial loans increased by $2.34 million due to the impact of increased loan volume and an increase in qualitative factors for business and economic conditions. The real estate loan pool allocations increased $167 thousand also as a result of a small increase in actual loss rates. The real estate construction loan pool allocations rose during the quarter by $2.58 million primarily due to an allocation of $1.80 million to recognize increased risk inherent in the present real estate market environment due to declining real estate values and consumer demand for certain properties. The components of the allowance allocated to consumer loans decreased by $16 thousand due to reductions in overall outstanding balances. The methodology for calculation of the unfunded commitments liability was changed to be more consistent with industry practice and this resulted in a decrease of $6.05 million to $2.24 million at March 31, 2008.
An allowance is established for probable credit losses on impaired loans via specific allocations. Nonperforming commercial loans and leases are regularly reviewed to identify impairment. A loan or lease is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the bank will not be able to collect all amounts contractually due. Measuring impairment of a loan requires judgment and estimates, and the eventual outcomes may differ from those estimates. Impairment is measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan’s effective rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. When the selected measure is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment has occurred. The allowance for impaired loans was $5.81 million at March 31, 2008 and $3.61 million at December 31, 2007. Compared to the prior year-end, this element of the allowance increased by $2.20 million due to an increase in impaired loans and increased specific allocations on certain impaired loans as a result of lower collateral values.
An allowance is also recognized for imprecision inherent in loan loss migration models and other estimates of loss. There are many factors affecting the allowance for loan losses and allowance for lending-related commitments; some are quantitative while others require qualitative judgment. Although management believes its methodology for determining the allowance adequately considers all of the potential factors to

39


Table of Contents

identify and quantify probable losses in the portfolio, the process includes subjective elements and is therefore susceptible to change. This estimate for imprecision has been established to recognize the variance, within a reasonable margin, of the loss estimation process. The estimate for imprecision increased at March 31, 2008 by $1.29 million to $2.40 million. This represents 4.06% of the bank’s total allowance for credit loss and in as much as this variance approximates a pre-determined narrow parameter, the methodology has confirmed that the Bank’s allowance for credit loss is at an appropriate level.
Management believes that the allowance for credit losses of $59.05 million at March 31, 2008 is adequate to provide for probable losses on existing loans and loan-related commitments based on information currently available. Note 5 to the accompanying unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provides a progression of the allowance for credit losses.
United’s loan administration policies are focused on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio in terms of loan approval and credit quality. The commercial loan portfolio is monitored for possible concentrations of credit in one or more industries. Management has lending limits as a percentage of capital per type of credit concentration in an effort to ensure adequate diversification within the portfolio. Most of United’s commercial loans are secured by real estate located in West Virginia, southeastern Ohio, Virginia and Maryland. It is the opinion of management that these commercial loans do not pose any unusual risks and that adequate consideration has been given to these loans in establishing the allowance for credit losses.
Management is not aware of any potential problem loans, trends or uncertainties, which it reasonably expects, will materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources which have not been disclosed. Additionally, management has disclosed all known material credits, which cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the loan repayment schedules.
Other Income
Other income consists of all revenues, which are not included in interest and fee income related to earning assets. Noninterest income has been and will continue to be an important factor for improving United’s profitability. Recognizing the importance, management continues to evaluate areas where noninterest income can be enhanced.
Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2008 was $18.61 million, which was an increase of $3.69 million or 24.77% from the first quarter of 2007.
The increase in noninterest income from the previous year’s first quarter primarily resulted from an increase in fees from deposit services of $1.91 million or 26.54% due mainly to the High Performance Checking program and the Premier acquisition. In particular, insufficient funds (NSF) fees increased $1.33 million, check card fees increased $404 thousand and account analysis fees increased $114 thousand for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007.
Revenue from trust and brokerage services grew $393 thousand or 11.08% due to increased volume. United continues its efforts to broaden the scope and activity of its trust and brokerage service areas, especially in the northern Virginia market, to provide additional sources of fee income that complement United’s traditional banking products and services. The northern Virginia market provides a relatively large number

40


Table of Contents

of potential customers with high per capita incomes.
Income from bank-owned life insurance decreased $150 thousand or 10.28% in the first quarter of 2008 from the first quarter of 2007 due to a decrease in the cash surrender value.
Mortgage banking income decreased $68 thousand or 42.24% due to fewer mortgage loan sales in the secondary market during the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year’s first quarter. Mortgage loan sales were $1.76 million in the first three months of 2008 as compared to $10.49 million in the first three months of 2007.
Gains on investment securities transactions for the first quarter of 2008 increased $798 thousand from the first quarter of 2007. The increase was due mainly to a $917 thousand gain related to Visa’s initial public offering and the subsequent partial redemption during the first quarter of 2008 of Visa shares held by United.
Other income increased $463 thousand for the first quarter of 2008 due mainly to an increase of $595 thousand from derivatives not in a hedging relationship. A corresponding amount of expense is included in other expense in the income statement. Fees from the outsourcing of official checks decreased $121 thousand from the first quarter of 2007.
On a linked-quarter basis, noninterest income for the first quarter of 2008 increased $9.63 million from the fourth quarter of 2007. Included in the results for the fourth quarter of 2007 was a before-tax loss of $8.90 million on the termination of an interest rate swap associated with the prepayment of a FHLB advance. Included in the results for the first quarter of 2008 was the previously mentioned $917 thousand gain related to the Visa shares. Excluding the results of security transactions (which includes the partial redemption of the Visa shares) and the swap termination, noninterest income would have decreased $789 thousand or 4.28% on a linked-quarter basis. This decrease was primarily due to a decline of $618 thousand or 6.37% in fees from deposit services due to seasonality and a decline of $378 thousand or 8.76% in revenue from trust and brokerage services due to less volume.
Other Expenses
Just as management continues to evaluate areas where noninterest income can be enhanced, it strives to improve the efficiency of its operations to reduce costs. Other expenses include all items of expense other than interest expense, the provision for loan losses, and income taxes. Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2008 was $41.36 million, an increase of $9.86 million or 31.32% from the first quarter of 2007.
The increase in noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2008 was primarily due to a $4.17 million or 28.10% increase in salaries and benefits expense as compared to the same period last year. The increase in salaries and benefits expense was due mainly to the additional employees from the Premier merger. Of this total increase, salaries and employee incentives increased $3.45 million while benefits expense increased $630 thousand. Specifically within benefits expense were increases in health insurance costs and employment taxes of $318 thousand and $238 thousand, respectively. Also included in salaries and benefits expense for the first quarter of 2008 was expense for stock options of $137 thousand. No expense for stock options was incurred in the first quarter of 2007.

41


Table of Contents

Net occupancy expense for the first quarter of 2008 increased $841 thousand or 24.33% from the first quarter of 2007. The increase was due mainly to additional building depreciation, building rental expense, and building maintenance from the branches added in the Premier merger. Equipment expense increased $343 thousand or 23.64% during the same time periods due mainly to increases in depreciation and maintenance primarily as a result of the Premier acquisition.
Data processing expense increased $1.08 million or 62.87% for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007. The increase was primarily due to additional outsourcing of processing functions and a change in processing procedures in addition to the Premier merger. The outsourcing of functions was partially offset by a reduction in personnel expense while the change in processing procedures is expected to result in future cost savings as United meets the requirements of Check 21.
Other expenses increased $3.27 million or 37.01% for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007 due primarily to the Premier merger. Several general operating expenses such as postage, telephone, ATM processing, office supplies, advertising and business franchise taxes increased as a result of the additional branches from the Premier merger. None of the increases were individually significant. Amortization of core deposit intangibles for the first quarter of 2008 increased $610 thousand from the first quarter of 2007 as a result of the Premier merger.
On a linked-quarter basis, noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2008 decreased $3.56 million from the fourth quarter of 2007 due mainly to before-tax penalties of $4.33 million to prepay FHLB advances during the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding the prepayment penalties, noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2008 would have increased $773 thousand or 1.91% from the fourth quarter of 2007 as salaries and employee benefits expense increased $995 thousand or 5.52%. Salaries for the first quarter of 2008 increased $379 thousand or 2.61% due to a higher level of base salaries for employees. Employee benefits expenses increased $740 thousand or 28.89% due to increases for the quarter in employment taxes of $274 thousand, pension costs of $211 thousand, and health insurance costs of $210 thousand.
Income Taxes
For the first quarter of 2008, income taxes were $11.73 million as compared to $11.33 million for the first quarter of 2007. For the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, United’s effective tax rates were 31.35% and 31.70%, respectively. For further details related to income taxes, see Note 15 of the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained within this document.
Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
United has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments, that may require future cash payments. Please refer to United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for disclosures with respect to United’s fixed and determinable contractual obligations. There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business since year-end 2007 in the specified contractual obligations disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On January 1, 2007, United adopted the provisions of FIN 48. As of March 31, 2008, United recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, of $7.95 million in accordance with FIN

42


Table of Contents

48. This liability represents an estimate of tax positions that United has taken in its tax returns which may ultimately not be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. Since the ultimate amount and timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty, this estimated liability is excluded from the contractual obligations table.
United also enters into derivative contracts, mainly to protect against adverse interest rate movements on the value of certain assets or liabilities, under which it is required to either pay cash to or receive cash from counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contacts are carried at fair value and not notional value on the consolidated balance sheet. Further discussion of derivative instruments is presented in Note 11 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
United is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include loan commitments and standby letters of credit. United’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instrument for the loan commitments and standby letters of credit is the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. United uses the same policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Further discussion of off-balance sheet commitments is included in Note 10 to the unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity
In the opinion of management, United maintains liquidity that is sufficient to satisfy its depositors’ requirements and the credit needs of its customers. Like all banks, United depends upon its ability to renew maturing deposits and other liabilities on a daily basis and to acquire new funds in a variety of markets. A significant source of funds available to United is “core deposits”. Core deposits include certain demand deposits, statement and special savings and NOW accounts. These deposits are relatively stable, and they are the lowest cost source of funds available to United. Short-term borrowings have also been a significant source of funds. These include federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase as well as advances from the FHLB. Repurchase agreements represent funds which are obtained as the result of a competitive bidding process.
Liquid assets are cash and those items readily convertible to cash. All banks must maintain sufficient balances of cash and near-cash items to meet the day-to-day demands of customers and United’s cash needs. Other than cash and due from banks, the available for sale securities portfolio and maturing loans are the primary sources of liquidity.
The goal of liquidity management is to ensure the ability to access funding which enables United to efficiently satisfy the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers and meet United’s cash needs. Liquidity is managed by monitoring funds’ availability from a number of primary sources. Substantial funding is available from cash and cash equivalents, unused short-term borrowing and a geographically dispersed network of branches providing access to a diversified and substantial retail deposit market.
Short-term needs can be met through a wide array of outside sources such as correspondent and downstream

43


Table of Contents

correspondent federal funds and utilization of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.
Other sources of liquidity available to United to provide long-term as well as short-term funding alternatives, in addition to FHLB advances, are long-term certificates of deposit, lines of credit, borrowings that are secured by bank premises or stock of United’s subsidiaries and issuances of trust preferred securities. In the normal course of business, United through its Asset Liability Committee evaluates these as well as other alternative funding strategies that may be utilized to meet short-term and long-term funding needs.
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, cash of $31.88 million was provided by operating activities. Net cash of $8.88 million was provided by investing activities which was primarily due to net cash received of $11.98 million for excess net proceeds from sales, calls and maturities of investment securities over purchases. During the first three months of 2008, net cash of $42.52 million was used in financing activities due primarily to the repayment of overnight FHLB borrowings in the amount of $162 million during the quarter. Other uses of cash for financing activities included the payment of $12.54 million for cash dividends and the redemption of a trust preferred issuance in the amount of $10.31 million. Cash provided by financing activities included a growth in deposits of $70.02 million and an increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $14.62 million and $60.97 million, respectively. The net effect of the cash flow activities was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $1.76 million for the first three months of 2008.
United anticipates it can meet its obligations over the next 12 months and has no material commitments for capital expenditures. There are no known trends, demands, commitments, or events that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in United’s liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way. United also has significant lines of credit available. See Notes 8 and 9 to the accompanying unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more details regarding the amounts available to United under line of credit.
The Asset Liability Committee monitors liquidity to ascertain that a liquidity position within certain prescribed parameters is maintained. No changes are anticipated in the policies of United’s Asset Liability Committee.
Capital Resources
United’s capital position is financially sound. United seeks to maintain a proper relationship between capital and total assets to support growth and sustain earnings. United has historically generated attractive returns on shareholders’ equity. Based on regulatory requirements, United and its banking subsidiaries are categorized as “well capitalized” institutions. United’s risk-based capital ratios of 10.79% at March 31, 2008 and 10.76% at December 31, 2007, were both significantly higher than the minimum regulatory requirements. United’s Tier I capital and leverage ratios of 9.74% and 8.33%, respectively, at March 31, 2007, are also well above regulatory minimum requirements.
Total shareholders’ equity was $771.15 million, an increase of $9.95 million or 1.31% from December 31, 2007. United’s equity to assets ratio was 9.66% at March 31, 2008 as compared to 9.52% at December 31, 2007. The primary capital ratio, capital and reserves to total assets and reserves, was 10.32% at March 31,

44


Table of Contents

2008 as compared to 10.18% at December 31, 2007. United’s average equity to average asset ratio was 9.77% for both of the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. All of these financial measurements reflect a financially sound position.
During the first quarter of 2008, United’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.29 per share. Total cash dividends declared were $12.54 million for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of $1.09 million or 9.52% over the first quarter of 2007. The year 2008 is expected to be the thirty-fifth consecutive year of dividend increases to United shareholders.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The objective of United’s Asset Liability Management function is to maintain consistent growth in net interest income within United’s policy guidelines. This objective is accomplished through the management of balance sheet liquidity and interest rate risk exposures due to changes in economic conditions, interest rate levels and customer preferences.
Interest Rate Risk
Management considers interest rate risk to be United’s most significant market risk. Interest rate risk is the exposure to adverse changes in United’s net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. United’s earnings are largely dependent on the effective management of interest rate risk.
Management of interest rate risk focuses on maintaining consistent growth in net interest income within Board-approved policy limits. United’s Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO), which includes senior management representatives and reports to the Board of Directors, monitors and manages interest rate risk to maintain an acceptable level of change to net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Policy established for interest rate risk is stated in terms of the change in net interest income over a one-year and two-year horizon given an immediate and sustained increase or decrease in interest rates. The current limits approved by the Board of Directors are structured on a staged basis with each stage requiring specific actions.
United employs a variety of measurement techniques to identify and manage its exposure to changing interest rates. One such technique utilizes an earnings simulation model to analyze the sensitivity of net interest income to movements in interest rates. The model is based on actual cash flows and repricing characteristics for on and off-balance sheet instruments and incorporates market-based assumptions regarding the impact of changing interest rates on the prepayment rate of certain assets and liabilities. The model also includes executive management projections for activity levels in product lines offered by United. Assumptions based on the historical behavior of deposit rates and balances in relation to changes in interest rates are also incorporated into the model. Rate scenarios could involve parallel or nonparallel shifts in the yield curve, depending on historical, current, and expected conditions, as well as the need to capture any material effects of explicit or embedded options. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely measure net interest income or precisely predict the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management’s strategies.

45


Table of Contents

Interest sensitive assets and liabilities are defined as those assets or liabilities that mature or are repriced within a designated time frame. The principal function of interest rate risk management is to maintain an appropriate relationship between those assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changing market interest rates. The difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities for specified periods of time is known as the “GAP.” Earnings-simulation analysis captures not only the potential of these interest sensitive assets and liabilities to mature or reprice but also the probability that they will do so. Moreover, earnings-simulation analysis considers the relative sensitivities of these balance sheet items and projects their behavior over an extended period of time. United closely monitors the sensitivity of its assets and liabilities on an on-going basis and projects the effect of various interest rate changes on its net interest margin.
The following table shows United’s estimated earnings sensitivity profile as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
         
Change in    
Interest Rates   Percentage Change in Net Interest Income
(basis points)   March 31, 2008   December 31, 2007
+200   3.27%   2.37%
+100   1.78%   1.71%
-100   -2.57%   -0.60%
-200   -8.25%   -3.33%
At March 31, 2008, given an immediate, sustained 100 basis point upward shock to the yield curve used in the simulation model, net interest income for United is estimated to increase by 1.78% over one year as compared to an increase of 1.71% at December 31, 2007. A 200 basis point immediate, sustained upward shock in the yield curve would increase net interest income by an estimated 3.27% over one year as of March 31, 2008, as compared to an increase of 2.37% as of December 31, 2007. A 100 and 200 basis point immediate, sustained downward shock in the yield curve would decrease net interest income by an estimated 2.57% and 8.25%, respectively, over one year as compared to a decrease of 0.60% and 3.33%, respectively, over one year as of December 31, 2007.
This analysis does not include the potential increased refinancing activities, which should lessen the negative impact on net income from falling rates. While it is unlikely market rates would immediately move 100 or 200 basis points upward or downward on a sustained basis, this is another tool used by management and the Board of Directors to gauge interest rate risk. All of these estimated changes in net interest income are and were within the policy guidelines established by the Board of Directors.
To further aid in interest rate management, United’s subsidiary banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). The use of FHLB advances provides United with a low risk means of matching maturities of earning assets and interest-bearing funds to achieve a desired interest rate spread over the life of the earning assets. In addition, United uses credit with large regional banks and trust preferred securities to provide funding.
As part of its interest rate risk management strategy, United may use derivative instruments to protect against adverse price or interest rate movements on the value of certain assets or liabilities and on future cash flows. These derivatives commonly consist of interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars, futures, forward contracts, written and purchased options. Interest rate swaps obligate two parties to exchange one or more payments

46


Table of Contents

generally calculated with reference to a fixed or variable rate of interest applied to the notional amount. United accounts for its derivative activities in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” During the year of 2007, United realized a net loss of $8.11 million in connection with the termination of interest rate swaps. This was done to improve future earnings.
During 1999, to better manage risk, United sold fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in a securitization transaction. In that securitization, United retained a subordinated interest that represented United’s right to future cash flows arising after third party investors in the securitization trust have received the return for which they contracted. United does not receive annual servicing fees from this securitization because the loans are serviced by an independent third-party. The investors and the securitization trust have no recourse to United’s other assets for failure of debtors to pay when due; however, United’s retained interests are subordinate to investors’ interests. The book value and fair value of the subordinated interest are subject to credit, prepayment, and interest rate risks on the underlying fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in the securitization.
At the date of securitization, key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interest were as follows: a weighted average life of 5.3 years, expected cumulative default rate of 15%, and residual cash flows discount rates of 8% to 18%. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair values of the subordinated interest and the cost of the available for sale securities were zero.
At March 31, 2008, the principal balances of the residential mortgage loans held in the securitization trust were approximately $7.0 million. Principal amounts owed to third party investors and to United in the securitization were approximately $2.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively, at March 31, 2008. The weighted average term to maturity of the underlying mortgages approximated 9.1 years as of March 31, 2008. During the first quarter of 2008, United received cash of $646 thousand from its subordinated interest in the securitization.
The amount of future cash flows from United’s subordinated interest is highly dependent upon future prepayments and defaults. Accordingly, the amount and timing of future cash flows to United is uncertain at this time.
The following table presents quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of the underlying securitized fixed-rate residential mortgage loans:
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2008   2007
Total principal amount of loans
  $ 7,000     $ 7,393  
Principal amount of loans 60 days or more past due
    305       86  
Year-to-date average balances
    7,219       8,817  
Year-to-date net credit (recoveries) losses
    (216 )     (66 )

47


Table of Contents

Extension Risk
A key feature of most mortgage loans is the ability of the borrower to repay principal earlier than scheduled. This is called a prepayment. Prepayments arise primarily due to sale of the underlying property, refinancing, or foreclosure. In general, declining interest rates tend to increase prepayments, and rising interest rates tend to slow prepayments. Like other fixed-income securities, when interest rates rise, the value of mortgage- related securities generally declines. The rate of prepayments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of mortgage-related securities and may shorten or extend the effective maturity of the security beyond what was anticipated at the time of purchase. If interest rates rise, United’s holdings of mortgage- related securities may experience reduced returns if the borrowers of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than anticipated. This is generally referred to as extension risk.
At March 31, 2008, United’s mortgage related securities portfolio had an amortized cost of $848 million, of which approximately $743 million or 88% were fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). These fixed rate CMOs consisted primarily of planned amortization class (PACs) and accretion directed (VADMs) bonds having an average life of approximately 2.2 years and a weighted average yield of 4.83%, under current projected prepayment assumptions. These securities are expected to have very little extension risk in a rising rate environment. Current models show that given an immediate, sustained upward shock of 300 basis points, the average life of these securities would extend to 2.6 years. The projected price decline of the fixed rate CMO portfolio in rates up 300 basis points would be 6.66%, less than the price decline of a 3 year treasury note. By comparison, the price decline of a 30-year current coupon mortgage backed security (MBS) in rates higher by 300 basis points would be approximately 17%.
United had approximately $14 million in 30-year mortgage backed securities with a projected yield of 6.61% and a projected average life of 3.8 years on March 31, 2008. These bonds are projected to be good risk/reward securities in stable rates, rates down moderately and rates up moderately due to the high yield and premium book price. However, should rates increase 300 basis points, the average life will extend and these bonds will experience significant price depreciation, but not as significant as current coupon pools.
The remaining 10% of the mortgage related securities portfolio at March 31, 2008, included adjustable rate securities (ARMs), balloon securities, and 10-year, 15-year and 20-year mortgage backed pass-through securities.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of March 31, 2008, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of United’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of United’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, United’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that United’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2008 were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There have been no changes in United’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, or in other factors that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect United’s internal control over financial reporting.

48


Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of business, United and its subsidiaries are currently involved in various legal proceedings. Management is vigorously pursuing all its legal and factual defenses and, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that all such litigation will be resolved with no material effect on United’s financial position.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, please refer to United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for disclosures with respect to United’s risk factors which could materially affect United’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing United. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to United or that United currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect United’s business, financial condition and/or operating results. There are no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
There have been no United equity securities sold during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that were not registered. The table below includes certain information regarding United’s purchase of its common shares during the quarter ended March 31, 2008:
                                 
                    Total Number of    
                    Shares    
    Total Number           Purchased as   Maximum Number
    of Shares   Average   Part of Publicly   of Shares that May
    Purchased   Price Paid   Announced   Yet be Purchased
Period   (1) (2)   per Share   Plans (3)   Under the Plans (3)
 
1/01 – 1/31/2008
    28     $ 32.03             322,200  
2/01 – 2/29/2008
    78     $ 26.59             322,200  
3/01 – 3/31/2008
    32     $ 31.38             322,200  
             
Total
    138     $ 28.80                
             
 
(1)   Includes shares exchanged in connection with the exercise of stock options under United’s stock option plans. Shares are purchased pursuant to the terms of the applicable stock option plan and not pursuant to a publicly announced stock repurchase plan. For the quarter ended March 31, 2008, no shares were exchanged by participants in United’s stock option plans.

49


Table of Contents

(2)   Includes shares purchased in open market transactions by United for a rabbi trust to provide payment of benefits under a deferred compensation plan for certain key officers of United and its subsidiaries. For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the following shares were purchased for the deferred compensation plan: January 2008 – 28 shares at an average price of $32.03; February 2008 – 78 shares at an average price of $26.59; and March 2008 – 32 shares at an average price of $31.38.
 
(3)   In May of 2006, United’s Board of Directors approved a repurchase plan to repurchase up to 1.7 million shares of United’s common stock on the open market (the 2006 Plan). The timing, price and quantity of purchases under the plan are at the discretion of management and the plan may be discontinued, suspended or restarted at any time depending on the facts and circumstances.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
  (a)   None.
 
  (b)   No changes were made to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to United’s Board of Directors.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
     
Exhibit 3.1
  Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the 1989 Form 10-K of United Bankshares, Inc., File No. 0-13322)
 
   
Exhibit 3.2
  Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the 1990 Form 10-K of United Bankshares, Inc., File No. 0-13322)
 
   
Exhibit 31.1
  Certification as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Executive Officer
 
   
Exhibit 31.2
  Certification as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Financial Officer
 
   
Exhibit 32.1
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Executive Officer
 
   
Exhibit 32.2
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Financial Officer

50


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  UNITED BANKSHARES, INC.
                  (Registrant)
 
 
Date: April 30, 2008  /s/ Richard M. Adams    
  Richard M. Adams, Chairman of   
  the Board and Chief Executive
Officer 
 
 
         
     
Date: April 29, 2008  /s/ Steven E. Wilson    
  Steven E. Wilson, Executive   
  Vice President, Treasurer,
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer 
 
 

51